The Tahoe South Craft Beer Scene Is Growing

After spending the day out in the Tahoe South playground, the best way to relax and unwind is with a frosty pint of local craft beer. The art of craft beer has taken the nation by storm within the last few years, and Lake Tahoe has joined the ranks. In recent years, new breweries have been popping up all over town, displaying unique and signature taps. Here are the most recent establishments to enter the Tahoe South beer scene.

Lake Tahoe AleWorX

A new brewery near the Y, Lake Tahoe AleWorX allows for the customer to be in control of their craft beer experience. The taproom displays a selection of brews where visitors can pour their own pints. Customers can also be walked through the brewing process and see what makes AleWorX unique. The Cali Common is a citrusy pilsner handcrafted with fresh Lake Tahoe water, which goes well with the in-house menu of small bites and pizzas.

South Lake Brewing Co.

Also recently opened near the Y, South Lake Brewing Co. introduces a line of taps inspired by the natural beauty and essence of Lake Tahoe. Owners Chris and Nicole Smith pour their love for their hometown into their recipes and customers can really taste the subtleties and nuances in the beer. Sample the Angora IPA with hints of mango and pine or Marlette Blonde with notes of pear, honey and tangerine.

Sidellis

This relatively new establishment has quickly become a local favorite and the owners really make an effort to get to know the customers’ interests and tastes. With a rotating variety of taps, the brewers like to experiment with unique flavor combinations and profiles. Some examples include the Mangoana, a mango habanero white ale, and the Nut’Hella, a chocolate hazelnut amber ale. Their food menu also has something for everyone, from classic bar food fare to specialties such as the Peri-Peri spiced pulled pork.

Desolation Brewing at BaseCamp Beer Garden

The Beer Garden at Basecamp Hotel has been an “off the beaten path” favorite for over a year but has recently acquired taps from Desolation Brewery. This cozy locale has visitors gather around fire pits to unwind after a long day while sipping on refreshing pints. In walking distance from Stateline, this beer garden welcomes both locals and Tahoe South visitors to sample the beer and snack on the variety of brats/sausages.

Lake Tahoe Brewfest

This summer, on Saturday, June 10th, 2017, the inaugural Lake Tahoe Brewfest comes to the region’s south shore as the first major event to bring together all of the breweries from the Lake Tahoe area’s emerging beer scene. Kick off the summer with craft brew tastings (4 oz.) from all over Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas, a home brewers competition, live music, arts and craft vendors, and delicious food! Located next to innovative Cold Water Brewery and in partnership with FNCTN, the festival will feature breweries from both the North and South shore of the lake, as well as other participants from Northern California and Nevada. The event will be a showcase of all that is happening in beer today.

Beer, not your thing? No worries, this family-friendly event is free to enter and open to all with plenty of food, live music, games, shopping, and more. Local arts and crafts vendors will be on-site to showcase their items and all businesses in the Swiss Chalet Center will remain open during the event with some offering specials just for attendees. Parking will be available throughout the ‘Sierra-tract’ neighborhood off of Sierra Blvd and a bike valet will be provided.

Advance beer tasting tickets for the event are $20 ($25 at the door) and include a souvenir tasting glass making sure that you get to bring a little bit of the Brewfest home with you.

Karin Sharon is a Bright Eyed Aspiring PR Girl. Having grown up in Lake Tahoe and lived in Denver for 4 years, she's nurtured by crisp mountain air and the 365 days of sunshine. Passionate about movies, beer and connecting with those around her, you can follow Karin on Twitter.